Tree pollen to kick off Nebraska allergy season

Trees in Nebraska will begin pollinating this month and be in full swing in April. Grass pollen tends to begin in May or June. And ragweed will be along around Aug. 15, give or take a day or two.

Trees in Nebraska will begin pollinating this month and be in full swing in April. Grass pollen tends to begin in May or June. And ragweed will be along around Aug. 15, give or take a day or two.

For many Nebraskans that means sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy and runny noses and watery eyes.

“I think this week and next week we will start seeing the tree pollen count go up,” said Jill Poole, M.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center allergist and associate professor in the department of internal medicine. “The trees begin pollinating in March and expect to be in full swing by early to mid-April. So, this is the time to get allergy medications out, refill prescriptions, and start using nose sprays and antihistamines.”

She said it’s wise to take action before allergy season is in full swing.

Allergic rhinitis, or allergies, are reactions of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance. In the spring, summer and fall, tiny pollen grains are released from trees, weeds and grasses into the air.

About 20 percent to 40 percent of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.

Dr. Poole said if you have allergy symptoms and over-the-counter medications don’t work well, she recommends getting tested.